Harry Gross

Daily News Personal Finance Columnist

DEAR HARRY: I just read in a news magazine that the IRS is at it again, trying to get more revenue by frightening small business people. The IRS has sent out a zillion letters to remind taxpayers that they should have reported all their cash receipts.

This is a scare tactic. Is it trying to get more revenue than it's entitled to? I run a small business where our sales are partly cash. Every business owner I know who has cash receipts does a little skimming. Since everyone does it, why all the fuss? Does the few bucks I'm short on my taxes really make a difference?

What's next? Is the IRS going to put a detective outside my door?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: You will not like my response. IRS is going to expand this and other attempts to persuade cheaters (that's what you are) to pay up. There are probably enough skimmers out there to produce many billions. That's money that could pay for a lot of food stamps and rifles, bridges and submarines.

There are many honest taxpayers who pay their fair share as required by law, but you are swindling your neighbors and family. I'm thankful that they outnumber the likes of you.

Unfortunately, our Congress does not have the wisdom to relate the pay of examiners to the revenue they produce.

I want more, not less, tax enforcement at all levels of income. Scaring cheats may not be the kindest way to go, but it gets results.